Attachment A - Statement of Work.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

Equine-Assisted Services for Psychosocial Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (PRRTP) Veteran Residents at the Erie VA Medical Center (VAMC)

1. PURPOSE

The Erie VAMC, located at 135 E. 38th Street Erie, PA 16504, has a Psychosocial Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (PRRTP) that is required to offer a variety of psychotherapeutic services to Veterans with mental health and/or substance use disorder diagnoses. Clinical services must be targeted to co-occurring psychosocial needs. Individualized programming must be delivered using a model of care that facilitates the Veteran being able to participate in core evidenced-based psychotherapeutic groups as well as psychoeducational groups, complementary therapies, self-help, and other activities that meet individual needs and interests.

2. BACKGROUND

This requirement is dictated by VHA Directive 1162.02 Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MHRRTP). Per VHA Directive 1162.02, the primary goal of the program is to “provide treatment and rehabilitation services to Veterans who have mental health and substance use disorders that are often complex and co-occur with medical concerns and psychosocial needs, such as employment and housing. This is accomplished through the provision of services designed for improving functional status, sustaining treatment and rehabilitation gains, recovery, community integration, and breaking the cycle of recidivism.” Services provided in the PRRTP are to be “recovery-oriented,” which refers to programming that is “person-centered (versus program-centered), focused on functioning and community participation (versus symptoms), and strengths-based (a growth model versus a maintenance model).” The Directive also tasks MH RRTPs to develop partnerships with “internal and external stakeholders to facilitate outreach, access, and discharge planning.” The addition of equine-assisted therapy would allow the PRRTP to further expand its treatment offerings in a way that honors the spirit of its guiding directive.

3. SCOPE OF WORK

The contractor shall provide 2-hour weekly equine-assisted group sessions to up to eight (8) Veterans admitted to the PRRTP at the Erie VAMC. Veterans recently discharged from the PRRTP may continue sessions as space allows them to complete a protocol but must arrange their own transportation. A PRRTP staff member at the VA will be the responsible party in deciding which Veterans shall attend the group session at the Contractor’s facility and will provide transportation to the facility. The Contractor shall agree to provide all the requirements listed within the statement of work.

4. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

5 year Firm-Fixed Price IDIQ Contract Estimated: March 1, 2024 to February 28, 2029

5. HOURS OF OPERATION

Will be in coordination with the Contractor’s hours of operation, excluding federal holidays, and may include evenings and weekends as VA PRRTP and Contractor’s schedules allow.

6. FEDERAL HOLIDAYS OBSERVED (But not limited to)

New Years Day Martin Luther King Day Presidents Day Memorial Day Juneteenth Independence Day Labor Day Columbus Day Veterans Day Thanksgiving Christmas Day

7. MINIMUM CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE

7.1 Contractor must own or lease a facility within 30 miles (driving) of the Erie VA Medical Center, which provides all necessary resources and equipment to safely offer equine-assisted services.

7.2 The contractor shall provide a signed copy of VA Privacy Training within 30 calendar days after receipt of award and annually thereafter for each employee who will have access to any Veteran’s information. See section 10 for the service delivery summary.

7.3 At a minimum, contractor will offer equine-assisted sessions using a rotating 8-week schedule. The sessions will include but are not limited to the following: horse familiarization, trust, and health relationships, positive vs. negative thoughts, working through temptations, overcoming obstacles, communication skills, and mindfulness. Session schedules and content may be modified to suit the needs of the participating Veterans and with the concurrence of PRRTP staff. Any planned deviation from the session scheduled will be reviewed verbally with staff present at the start of the session.

7.4 Contractor must provide a designee to serve as the direct liaison between the contractor and the Erie VAMC upon award and within 15 days if replaced.

7.5 Contractor shall ensure that learning sessions are attended by a fully certified and trained Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Facilitator, a herd of at least 8 trained horses, and full use of a private equine facility, including an indoor heated arena. Contractor will provide evidence of a O.K. Corral Series Certification in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy or Equine Assisted Learning or equivalent certification upon request. Contractor will ensure participating Veterans are provided all necessary safety instructions and provide oversight regarding safe behavior in the presence of the horses.

7.6 Contractor shall provide the types of all certifications held by the staff, along with the quantity for each if requested by a VA Representative at any time during the period-of-performance.

7.7 Contractor is fully responsible for any claims of damage to personal property or personal injury due the Contractor’s gross negligence to any participant while participating in any of the activities.

7.8 Contractor shall refrain from photographing Veterans and if applicable, their children for website, social media, and other marketing materials.

8. VA RESPONSIBLITIES

The VA Representative designated to serve as the direct liaison between the VA Medical Center and the Contractor will be the Director, Psychosocial Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program.

9. COMPLIANCE, PERMITS, CERTIFICATIONS, & INSURANCE

Throughout the duration of this service, the contractor shall be in compliance with the Statement of Work and all applicable federal, state, and local laws. The contractor shall be responsible for determining the latest applicable editions of all relevant federal, state, and local regulations. Comment by Laemmerhirt, Cynthia A.: Do we know what these laws are for reference? State and local laws may differ from state to state. Comment by Nnoli, Ezidimma A.: All compounding pharmacies are required to have licenses from the state board of Pharmacy. Additionally 503B (outsourcing Pharmacies) are required to be registered with the FDA.

The contractor shall, without additional expense to the Government, be responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses, permits, and insurance to comply with any applicable federal and municipal laws, codes, and regulations in connection with the performance of this service.

The contractor shall furnish the Contracting Officer (CO) with their Certificate of Insurance, containing an endorsement to the effect that cancellation or any material change in the policies which adversely affect the interest of the Government, shall not be effective unless a thirty (30) day written notice of cancellation or change is furnished to the Point of Contact (POC). The term “will endeavor” is not acceptable as issued by an insurance carrier.

10. INSPECTION

The Government reserves the right to inspect the contractor’s facility, Licenses, equipment, and vehicles or require documentation of compliance with the SOW’s specifications. If conducted, such inspections do not constitute a warranty by the Government that the contractor’s facility, licenses, vehicles, and equipment are properly maintained.

11. PAYMENT AND INVOICING

Payment to the Contractor shall be made monthly, in arrears, upon receipt of a properly prepared invoice. Payment for services shall be at the rates specified in the Price Schedule. All monthly invoices from the contractor shall be electronically submitted through the Tungsten Network. All monthly invoices must include the dates of participation, the number of Veterans attending each session, the cost per Veteran, the total cost for each weekly session, and the total cost for the weekly sessions for the entire month.

12. SERVICE DELIVERY SUMMARY

All contractors must receive privacy training annually using one of the following methods: